Ethics, Values, and Society (CEVS), Undergraduate Certificate

The Undergraduate Certificate in Ethics, Values, and Society (CEVS) is an academic program for undergraduates to explore questions about ethics, politics, and social justice across topics and subject areas. We believe that ethics and values are an integral part of every major and discipline. In particular, the Certificate enables students to combine more practical and applied inquiries into ethical and social/political issues (perhaps pursued in the student's major) with grounding in the theoretical foundations of such inquiries.

The grounding in the main theories of ethics and political philosophy provided in the Foundational Philosophy Courses in the Certificate will add depth and richness to the student's studies in other, more applied and content-specific classes.

Certificate courses are organized around five themes with which most of the courses can be associated. Students are encouraged (not required) to select their Certificate courses with a thematic focus in mind:

Institutions: This theme concerns questions of ethics and justice in political, economic, legal, educational, and other institutions. Issues regarding international justice and human rights are also covered by this theme.

Culture and Identity: This theme explores and critiques conceptions of ethics and justice in relation to issues of culture and identity, including issues concerning class, race, gender, and sexual orientation.

Environment: This theme covers the just distribution and use of environmental resources, as well as the ethical treatment of non-human animals.

Health: This theme covers the just distribution and use of health resources, problems in bioethics, and related issues.

Information Ethics: This theme examines ethical issues regarding media and the use of information technology.

Eligibility

The Undergraduate Certificate in Ethics, Values, and Society is meant to enhance a bachelor's degree. The certificate is available to all students seeking a bachelor's degree from UWM and to students who previously have received a bachelor's degree from UWM or any other accredited college or university. Students currently involved in baccalaureate studies who successfully complete the requirements of the program will be awarded the certificate at the time of graduation. Students who already have a bachelor’s degree will receive the certificate upon completion of the program requirements.

Requirements

To obtain the certificate, the student must complete, with a minimum grade point average of 2.500, at least 18 credits (at least 6 courses) in approved CEVS courses, of which at least 12 credits must be in Letters and Science courses, with 6 of those at the 300 level or above. At least 12 credits must be earned in residence at UWM, and at least 9 of the credits taken in residence must be at the 300 level or above. No more than 12 credits from any one department may count toward the certificate. Courses for the certificate may not be taken on a credit/no credit bases. The following are required:

The capstone requirement is fulfilled through a 500-600 level undergraduate seminar focused on issues of ethics, value, and/or social justice. An appropriate seminar will be offered in the Philosophy Department at least once per academic year.

Electives

Select from among the following courses that focus substantially on themes of ethics, value, justice, and the like.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Our Catalog is a general source of information about course offerings, academic programs and requirements, expenses, rules, and policies. The University reserves the right to change the information published in this Catalog without notice. Students are advised to consult with their individual School/College or department for the most up-to-date information about program requirements.